How to Write a Letter to Request That Creditor Remove Bad Credit Reporting

If you have information on your credit report you believe is erroneous, you have a right to write to the credit reporting agencies and request an investigation. The credit reporting agencies, in turn, must either verify that the information is correct or remove the information from your report. They do not have to remove information that is accurate. You cannot force them to remove accurate negative credit reporting, but they are required by federal law to remove anything that is inaccurate or which they cannot verify.

Instructions

1

Request a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You can do so at the free Annual Credit Report website.

2

Review each report for accuracy. Note the account number, creditor and transaction dates and numbers of any item you believe is in error or even questionable.

3

Write a letter to each agency. Include the following items: your name, the creditor, transaction dates on each credit item you are disputing and precisely what it is you are disputing. Include proof of your identity, such as a copy of a driver's license.

4

Dispute anything that is not accurate or is questionable, including bankruptcies, delinquencies, open accounts, amounts and even inquiries, since excessive inquiries can damage your credit score and make it more difficult for you to obtain credit. Your own inquiry to verify the accuracy of your credit report does not damage your credit score.

5

Include any accounts that have been inactive for over 7 years. The bureaus are required by law to remove information on accounts that have been inactive for seven years. Be sure to specifically request the bureaus remove these items.

6

Make a copy of your letters so you can document exactly what was in them.

7

Mail the letters certified mail or registered mail so you have a record of delivery. Use these mailing addresses:

Experian

P. O. Box 9595

Allen, TX 75013-9595

Equifax

P. O. Box 740241

Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

TransUnion

P. O. Box 1000

Chester, PA 19022

8

Wait at least 45 days. This is how long the bureaus have, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, to verify and resolve any credit disputes. You should receive a written notification of how your claim was resolved within five days of the day the bureau reached a conclusion on your account.